When we think of quiet and graceful house cats, it’s easy to forget that they were once fierce predators in the wild. Since cats rank among the smallest compared to their fellow feline species such as the cheetah, leopard, lion, and tiger, larger predators often targeted them, especially if they showed signs of age or weakness. Over time, this led to cats evolving to hide signs of illness or injury that might make them an even easier target. Today, domesticated cats continue to be stoic animals that rarely show symptoms of medical issues.

While February is Pet Dental Health Month and the “official” time to get serious about caring for your cat’s teeth, your feline friend needs proper dental care all year long. Like people, cats can suffer from tooth and gum disease due to insufficient dental care. Unlike people, though, our feline friends have mastered the art of hiding signs of pain and discomfort.

Part of being a responsible cat owner is knowing how to recognize when something isn’t right. While the thought of your beloved companion getting sick is a frightening one, no cat is immune to illness. Even if you are a perfect pet parent and do everything right when caring for your cat, they could suffer from a wide range of health problems.

Vaccinating your cat is the best way to protect them from a wide range of contagious — and potentially deadly — diseases. From Rabies to Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, your feline friend could fall victim to many illnesses if you fail to keep them up to date on essential vaccines. Even if you keep your cat strictly indoors, it’s vital to keep their vaccinations updated. It only takes seconds for a cat to slip out a door or window, and if mice or other pests find their way into your home, you never know what types of diseases they could be carrying.

Before bringing a new cat into your home, there are several things to consider, including whether you should adopt a male cat or a female cat. As veterinarians, we’ve cared for countless cats over the years, and we’ve come to notice some interesting differences between males and females. The biological differences are apparent, but you may wonder if any more subtle differences would make one sex a better fit for your family than the other. Of course, each cat is different, and what’s true for one might not be for another.

Though they are more common in dogs, ear infections can plague cats, too. And when they do, they are used caused by an underlying issue that needs to be addressed by a veterinarian.

Cats are curious creatures. It should come as no surprise, then, that there are loads of myths surrounding their health and behavior. That does not mean, though, that you should believe everything you hear – especially when it comes to caring for your beloved pet.

While the aloof, independent nature of cats can make them prefer solitude, they are social creatures. They may prefer to hunt alone, but at other times, they enjoy the company of other members of their species. In feral groups, felines tend to form complex social groups in which they play, groom one another, and simply enjoy each other’s company.